This verse brings back memories of farewell messages. I remember the final two hours of broadcast on Okinawa before we turned the transmitter off for the last time. I can recall the final messages I’ve preached to churches where my wife and I served. There have been times of moving on in chaplain ministry. Always much emotion has come on those occasions as we leave people we’ve known well, people we’ve stood by through tragedy and joy, through doubt and conversion.


But at some point there always comes the need to pass on the torch with a prayer for God’s blessing and enabling. Paul’s ministry consisted of humility, persistent preaching, public teaching and testimony to Christ. In his years of ministry, he had seen it all. Many turned from sin to serving God in total commitment. The tears he speaks of were from long periods of struggle and spiritual warfare along the way.


At the end of the month, this is “farewell” for now. Put your trust in Jesus, your Faithful One. Wait humbly and expectantly for His return!